Should Israel Release more Palestinian Terrorists?

It won’t increase the chances for peace. It will just give the Palestinian another opportunity to glorify mass murderers.

Every time there’s a public discussion about whether Israel should release more imprisoned Palestinian terrorists, my heart skips a beat. My daughter Alisa was murdered by Palestinian terrorists in 1995. Two of the killers have been in an Israeli prison since 1995, serving life sentences. I always worry that they will be among the ones released. So yes, it’s personal.

But it’s also much more than that.

It’s not just about my daughter’s killers; it’s about dozens of other Israeli and American families whose loved ones also were victimized by Palestinian terrorists. It’s about the future Israeli victims, if the released terrorists return to their violent ways, as so many of them do. It’s about what’s best for Israel’s national security. And, of course, it’s about what’s best for America, too.

Last year, Israel agreed to release more than 100 terrorists, some of them convicted murderers, in stages, as a gesture of “good faith” to the Palestinians. It was a measure of Israel’s desperation for peace, and of the Obama administration’s not-so-subtle threats to publicly blame Israel if the peace process derails. So to keep that process going, the Israelis took what everyone agrees is a serious security risk.

Now the Palestinian Authority (PA) is demanding that Israel release yet another batch of terrorists – even though the PA is threatening to walk away from the peace negotiations in the weeks to come.

Sadly, the Palestinian leadership never responds to such gestures with any gestures of its own, any steps that would show their desire for peace. Instead, the released killers are welcomed as heroes, with public celebrations, marching bands, and speeches from PA leaders heaping praise on the murderers. When Palestinians embrace terrorists, it tends to convince Israelis that the Palestinians still, well, embrace terrorism.

In a separate “good will” gesture, the Israelis recently gave the PA the bodies of five terrorists, two of whom were involved in suicide bombings that left 16 Israelis dead and more than 80 wounded. Here is how a reporter on PA Television described the two dead bombers at the March 12 funeral in Nablus: “The skies of Nablus adorn themselves with the stars who loved the soil of the homeland, in which they will lie forever having returned to it as Martyrs (Shahids).”

Imagine the uproar if after the funeral of Oklahoma City bomber Timothy McVeigh, a reporter for a mainstream American television station, declared: “The skies of Oklahoma City adorn themselves with this star who loved the soil of the homeland, in which he will lie forever having returned to it as a Martyr.”

PA Television then interviewed the brother of suicide bomber Imad Zubeidi, who said, “This is not mourning, but a wedding of Martyrdom – we are very proud that our brother gave of himself for Palestine.” And the sister of the other bomber, Maher Hbeishah, said, “He would always pray, ‘Allah, make us live happily and die as Martyrs’ – praise be to Allah, he achieved it.”

This is the culture of glorifying mass murder that the Palestinian Authority has created. If Israel releases 26 more terrorists, as the PA is demanding, that will mean 26 more celebrations, 26 more parades, and 26 more relatives on television, telling millions of Palestinian and other Arab viewers how wonderful it is to carry out suicide bombings.

You don’t have to be a prime minister or a seasoned diplomat or a four-star general to understand that setting more killers free just doesn't make any sense.

It won’t increase the chances for peace. It will just give the Palestinian another prime-time opportunity to glorify mass murderers.

It won’t help our ally, Israel. It will be just another one-sided concession for which Israel will get nothing in return – and will whet the appetite of Israel's enemies to keep demanding more and more.

It will send a message to the Palestinians that they don’t need to change their ways. They can keep on encouraging terrorism, they can keep promoting a culture of violence – and the Obama administration will keep on pushing to give them a sovereign state, even though we know that it will be a terrorist state. That won’t be good for Israel, for America, or for peace.

New Jersey attorney Stephen M. Flatow is the father of Alisa Flatow, who was murdered by the Palestinian terrorist group Islamic Jihad in 1995.

Featured at Aish.com:

About the Author

Stephen M. Flatow, an attorney in New Jersey, is the father of Alisa Flatow, who was murdered in a Palestinian terrorist attack in 1995. He is a candidate on the Religious Zionist slate (www.VoteTorah.org) in the World Zionist Congress elections.

The opinions expressed in the comment section are the personal views of the commenters. Comments are moderated, so please keep it civil.

Visitor Comments: 27

(23)
LeAnn,
July 13, 2015 6:24 PM

Thank You

Mr. Flatow, I would like to thank you for reminding us of these issues -- and what sets us apart. Even more deeply, I want to thank you for the scholarship your family provides in Alisa's absence. I owe nearly my entire Jewish education to that scholarship and I am forever in your debt. Little do we know when tragedy strikes how it changes our future, but you are determinedly working toward tikun ha'olam.

(22)
DAS1951,
July 12, 2015 6:35 PM

Terrible, but not quite as clear-cut as you think

Of course these terrorist acts are despicable and I sympathise with the families of the murdered, but the solution is not keep thousands of prisoners for ever ("throw away the key") or kill them (death sentence). (The latter is perhaps more obvious...)

Remember these people, many being surprisingly normal, are born into an atmosphere that is infused with hatred of Israel/Jews and a support for 'martyrdom'.

I suggest anyone interested to Google for Dr Sagit Yehoshua, an Israeli criminal psychologist who has turned her attention to "security prisoners" (as incarcerated terrorists are known) in recent years, and check out her research work.Yes, she is controversial, but a quick check did not reveal any of her critics actually produced any relevant data.

(21)
Charles Richman,
April 7, 2014 6:33 AM

Absolutely no terrorist should be released

Releasing terrorist prisoners has two apparent consequences: 1. Increasing the probability of attack on Israelis. 2.Elevating the status of Abbas/Mazen in the Arab world that is hostile to Israel and the West.The release of murderers from Israeli prisons is similar to the USA agreeing to suspend sanctions against Iran, with the Iranian’s failing to comply with any meaningful demands. Sanctions will not be able to be re-instituted toward Iran and it will in the long run only increase the potential violence and influence of Iran in the future and releasing terrorist prisoners who attacked or planned attacks in Israel should not be able to return to the disputed territories will only lead to more attacks on Israel. How easily we forget Itamar, Kiryat Shemona, Ma'a'lot, the Hebrew University cafeteria, terrorist acts in restaurants and discos throughout Israel and each and every murder of our brothers and sisters on Egged buses. Releasing prisoners is an insult to those who were killed or wounded and to their families.

(20)
BOB JAMES,
April 1, 2014 6:24 PM

RELEASE THEM WHEN U.S. releases all of theirs...not!

Why release a terrorist? United States tried it and wound up fighting and killing and chasing many of them again.DON'T RELEASE ANY.

(19)
Antonio Perez,
March 31, 2014 4:19 PM

Terrorist Release

Why does Israel have to release murderers when other countries don't release their's? It's a double standard. They hate Jews and so they demand absurd things like this. No release. No to double standard anti-semitism.

(18)
IrisB,
March 30, 2014 6:26 PM

NO, NO, NO!

My heart aches for the Flatow family and all of the families whose lives were upended the terrorists actions. I cN not understand the logic behind releasing a single terrorist, certainly not hundreds.such releases only embolden the terrorists to further their murderous campaigns. I understand Gilad Shalit's parents wanting their son returned, but to release hundreds of terrorists for one Israeli soldier is insane. NO, NO, NO, no release of terrorists for peace, it will never work.

(17)
Nadia,
March 29, 2014 1:27 PM

The time has come

I am also Israeli and releasing murderers is not the solution . But please do not judge a few on many. There are many pacs that feel the same way and do not want them back..( why would they ) So they can slaughter their own . Let them rot right where they belong G-D bless Shalom .

(16)
Laine Frajberg,
March 28, 2014 7:44 PM

Releasing Terrorists is STUPID

Releasing TERRORISTS IS STUPID becauses it only invites more of the same.Besides it isn't going to make our enemies stop wanting to destroy us.It will only increase their contempt.

(15)
Brahm Zuckerman,
March 28, 2014 5:11 AM

terrorists

Never negotiate with terrorists. It will just cause more grief. Let them rot in prison. And go hunt down the ones that were released.

(14)
Anonymous,
March 28, 2014 4:17 AM

Mercy on terrorists is insane

Having mercy for terrorists is insane. Israel should put them to death. After all, they put our daughters and sons to death when they are innocent children. They kill their own daughters with no regard to humanity as well. It helps NOTHING to release this idiots. Israel is so upside down now. They are putting refugees in prison and having mercy on terrorists. The ultimate stupidity.

(13)
Richard-Rafael Joachim,
March 28, 2014 4:00 AM

A father's task

Poor Mr Flatow,what a horrible duty it is for a father to have to bury a murdered child. Perhaps Israel should take a lesson from Sharia Law and allow the parents / partners to determine what the punishment for the taking of a loved one should be. Make all the terrorists martyres. If they are so keen to seek suicide why do they not attack military people and not unarmed innocents. Why does the US demand actions by Israel that they themselves would never contemplate. If he'd been captured would Bin Laden ever have been released? Don't think so! American home grown terrorists and lunatics such as Charles Manson are never released so what's the deal about demanding that a sovereign State be 'ordered' to release the murderers of their people. What incredible hypocrisy..

Sheila,
March 28, 2014 5:53 PM

Why must we do what the USA would never even contemplate?

Exactly. "Why does the US demand actions by Israel that they themselves would never contemplate." Why? Because America could not care less about Jews being murdered, about terrorists running free all over Israel. As long as Obama sees "legacy" completed, he has not the slightest interest in the safety of Jews or Israel. He just MUST leave a legacy of having concluded a "peace deal" in the ME. And never mind if it collapses after his tenure; he can always blame Israel. What a shame we were ever silly enough to trust Barack Obama.

(12)
Avrumeleh,
March 28, 2014 2:07 AM

Blood Lust

Imagine...a "People" that glorify the murderers of children!! Imagine..they greet their return home like on greets someone who cured cancer. Dealing with such "People" at such a price is just plain crazy. Netanyahu did it twice already in these "negotiations"...Did he learn from his horrific mistakes?

(11)
wolfe rakusin,
March 28, 2014 1:06 AM

My heart goes out to all the families of those killed and injured by terrorists. These criminals should never be released, or allowed to be glorified by their actions. There can never be real peace, until the Arabs stop preaching hatred, and accept a Jewish state .

(10)
Dan Joseph,
March 27, 2014 11:09 PM

US should release Johnathon Pollard

The Unites States should show it commitment to the Israel and Palestinian discussions by being willing to release Johnathon Pollard.

(9)
MESA,
March 27, 2014 9:06 PM

I don't know what to say that hasn't already been said. The PA doesn't want peace. They just want more Jews dead. Until they make a real gesture to show that they want peace, why should we be making all the concessions?

Nadia,
March 29, 2014 1:29 PM

Agree

I completely agree with you.

(8)
Aviel,
March 27, 2014 8:02 PM

By releasing them Israel is showing the world it considers them POW'S NOT TERRORISTS

The terrorists,murders,freedom fighters ,pows being freed by Israel show the world that Israel does not really consider them terrorists and/or murderers,but rather "soldiers" doing battle for the Palestinian cause. Sadly, more than a few Jews believe this as well.The same folks who say nothing when these prisoners are freed would go ballistic if Israel freed Yigal Amir. I suspect that Israel is being pretty much forced to release these prisoners by the USA and basically has no choice. Israel is not yet truly independent. My heart goes out to the parents and others who lost loved ones and are now rightfully concerned that they will get away with murder.I would support a death penalty for convicted murderers,but not my decision. I can't see how releasing these prisoners does anything positive for Am Yisroel or for peace prospects.

(7)
Anonymous,
March 27, 2014 7:45 PM

No country will permit to free terrorists and mass murders.!

Mass murders have done horrible things, they do not belong in a normal society. For the sake of the children from Abraham, Isaac and Jacob let there be justice.!

(6)
Maria,
March 27, 2014 6:38 PM

No. This Palestinian is prisoner should be in prison .till the time is done . Their hatred toward your state people is different things and will not change . You relief e prisoner in hope that they change but they NEVER . So no hope for peace. They just can live like that forever and you be just prepare for all the time war ..,. Sorry that's the truth

(5)
TMay,
March 27, 2014 6:27 PM

No

No Israel should not be releasing convicted murderers as a "gesture". They are showing a lack of good faith to Israelis. They achieve nothing. Obama and Kerry should be ashamed of themselves for demanding it.They see Israeli lives and Jewish lives as less than others. I think Israel should play hard of hearing. Israel's response should be "I am not hearing clearly. Did you say that if Obama and Michelle and Natasha and Malia and John Kerry and Teresa Heinz Kerry are forced off the road off a cliff and the bus on impact bursts into flames, and they burn to death, or are in a bus that is firebombed, and they burn to death, you want us to pardon the terrorists? Well maybe we can do that as a "gesture". Furthermore we'll even announce it internationally. Since Obama likes to do things that he thinks others should follow, we think he should make the same announcement. And since Palestinians hold parties and hand out candies for killers aka martyrs, and for the return of released murderers, the Israeli government might even buy the candies for the parties, all as a "gesture". What is it that we won't do for peace?!"

(4)
Pamela Damsky,
March 27, 2014 5:43 PM

Releasing Terrorist Should Not Happen

I do not think releasing should not ever happen.

(3)
Michael Swanger,
March 27, 2014 5:29 PM

prisoners

I would like release a single Palestian terrorist. In fact, I would execute them. I say take back the Gaza and bus those people to Jordan. If Jordan refuses them, then invade Jordan. I say enough of this foolishness to cuddle the PLO and Hamas

Anonymous,
March 27, 2014 10:03 PM

Agreed

Put the convicted terrorists in jail, throw away the key and forget about them. Take back control over the Temple mount and united Jerusalem, move back into Gaza. Destroy Hamas once and for all, "un-brainwash" the arab kids, and anyone who doesn't like living under Israeli rule can go anywhere they can find a country who would be willing to let them in. Good luck with that by the way.

Anonymous,
March 28, 2014 4:18 AM

Agreed 100%

I agree with you Michael. Terrorists should be put to death.

(2)
Carol Hull Holden,
March 27, 2014 5:26 PM

NEVER.

Never again should Israel give back any terrorists. I do not know why there is no automatic death sentence for them on conviction. If they were executed, they would only be handing back a body and the body would not be committing any more terrorism. I know there is no death sentence in Israel, but for terrorists, surely an exception could be made!!! God Bless Israel and the IDF. May He watch over you always.

(1)
Anonymous,
March 27, 2014 4:01 PM

Thank you

Thank you for this article, and reminding us that these "prisoners" are murderers, who could kill such beautiful people as your daughter. May her soul be elevated by all the great work you do for the Jewish community at large.

Since honey is produced by bees, and bees are not a kosher species, how can honey be kosher?

The Aish Rabbi Replies:

The Talmud (Bechoros 7b) asks your very question! The Talmud bases this question on the principle that “whatever comes from a non-kosher species is non-kosher, and that which comes from something kosher is kosher.”

So why is bee-honey kosher? Because even though bees bring the nectar into their bodies, the resultant honey is not a 'product' of their bodies. It is stored and broken down in their bodies, but not produced there. (see Shulchan Aruch Y.D. 81:8)

By the way, the Torah (in several places such as Exodus 13:5) praises the Land of Israel as "flowing with milk and honey." But it may surprise you to know that the honey mentioned in the verse is actually referring to date and fig honey (see Rashi there)!

In 1809, a group of 70 disciples of the great Lithuanian sage the Vilna Gaon, arrived in Israel, after traveling via Turkey by horse and wagon. The Vilna Gaon set out for the Holy Land in 1783, but for unknown reasons did not attain his goal. However he inspired his disciples to make the move, and they became pioneers of modern settlement in Israel. (A large contingent of chassidic Jews arrived in Tzfat around the same time.) The leader of the 1809 group, Rabbi Israel of Shklov, settled in Tzfat, and six years later moved to Jerusalem where he founded the modern Ashkenazic community. The early years were fraught with Arab attacks, earthquakes, and a cholera epidemic. Rabbi Israel authored, Pe'at Hashulchan, a digest of the Jewish agricultural laws relating to the Land of Israel. (He had to rewrite the book after the first manuscript was destroyed in a fire.) The location of his grave remained unknown until it was discovered in Tiberias, 125 years after his death. Today, the descendants of that original group are amongst the most prominent families in Jerusalem.

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try to greet everyone in a pleasant manner, and where appropriate offer a listening ear.

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